Panther Trax Snowmobilers “Hit the Trail” at Pathfinder Village

Edmeston, New York, February 26, 2007 ... Pathfinder Village residents enjoyed a day of wintertime fun when members of the Panther Trax Snowmobile Club visited the Village on Saturday, February 24.

The snow from the Valentine’s Day storm had settled sufficiently to provide an ideal base at the Village, a one-of-a-kind residential community for people who have Down syndrome.  About 20 members of the club drove their snowmobiles to the Village and created a special trail to offer the residents rides.  For most Village residents it was their first experience riding, and their excitement was easy to see.

“I loved it.  I had to wear a helmet and went around a couple of times,” said resident Ted Taws, a native of Southern Pines, North Carolina.  “I didn’t get cold, and I want to go again sometime!”

Christine Chase, the club’s public relations coordinator, noted, “I was impressed at how well all the residents did -- putting on their helmets, getting on-and-off the machines, and learning how to ride safely.  The weather was perfect, and everyone had a great time.”

As part of the club’s focus on safety, the residents were provided helmets to wear, and were appropriately dressed for the wind.

Founded in 2004, The Panther Trax Snowmobile Club includes over 100 members from Otsego and Chenango Counties, and meets the first Monday of each month at the Red Pines Golf Course, Edmeston.  The club encourages responsible riding, offers snowmobile safety courses, organizes trips, and maintains 17 miles of trails.  The club is a local affiliate of the New York State Snowmobile Association; to learn more about club activities and events, please visit www.edmestonpanthertrax.com.

Pathfinder Village is a privately funded, non-profit, residential community for children and adults who have Down syndrome. It is licensed by the State of New York and its programs are regulated by the State Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. It is located on New York State Route 80, two miles east of Edmeston and 15 miles west of Cooperstown.  Please visit the website www.pathfindervillage.org to learn more.

 
AbovePhoto:  Tom Atwell lends a helping hand to Pathfinder Village Resident Mary Holman as she gets on a snowmobile driven by Christine Chase.     (Photo courtesy of Pathfinder Village).